Common Sense Living

Archive for the ‘Spring Cleaning’ Category

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“Clutter sucks the life, the spirit and the
creativity out of any space.  Getting organized
is a sure first step to a better life.”  Peter Walsh

You know, clean and clutter are 2 different things. But boy, a lot of clutter sure make it hard to clean.

I picked up yet another Kirby over the weekend. I got it for a steal, and it was cheaper than getting either one may other machines fixed. So now, I have 3 Kirbys, 3 sets of tools, 4 shampooers. We have an old computer we kep to play windows 95 games on. We found out last weekend that it’s dead.

Someone gave me a bigger TV. It doesn’t fit in my cabinet, so now I have 2 TVs that no one ever watches. An no one wants, since they are old clunkers. I’ll keep the bigger TV, but that will require some furniture moving. And my daughter voted for no TV on the main floor, so I’m guessing I’ll have to pitch the smaller one. I wonder if even Goodwill would want it. Probably not.

And all the bottles of half used lotions and shampoos that we keep because we might run out and need it.

There is so much stuff!

But you know, in life you have to let go of bad stuff to make room for good stuff. Whether its clutter, or food, or grudges, or limiting beliefs. You gotta get the garbage out to make room for the good things.

Spring cleaning is about more than just cleaning house. Its like a fresh start.

And since I don’t have a TV up here to take up my precious time- I’m going to take a walk, enjoy the beautiful weather, get some exercise, clear my head, relieve some stress, and maybe catch up with some people I haven’t seen all winter. Thats a pretty productive 40 minutes, wouldn’t you say?

Then I’ll come back and get back to work.

What’s taking up too much room in your life?

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Last week we were sporting tank tops and shorts. This week? You should have seen the snow blowing sideways yesterday! And we have snow in the forecast.

I am so disgusted!

I should have painted a room this weekend. My daughter wants her room painted orange. Yes, really. I’ve been putting that off…

The Kirby guy blew me off last night. I’m not a sale, I’m only a repair. Both of mine need to be repaired. One is 10 years old. The other one is 20 years old. Why 2? You ever tried to carry one of these monsters up and down stairs? They are heavy! And if you ever want your kids to vacuum, you have to make it as easy as possible

I wanted to watch Ali Brown’s episode on Secret Millionaire. I thought it was a really good episode. I think that not only did it change her, but it will change anyone who watches it. You can watch it here – but bring Kleenex -

http://abc.go.com/watch/secret-millionaire/SH5580166/VD55121060/ali-brown-venice-calif

I’m going to take advantage of the cold weather and bake some cookies and throw them in the freezer so we’ll have some on hand for a while.

How about you? Have you got your house ready for all the stuff coming up? Easter, showers, weddings, barbecues, graduations… Get your house under control

And if you need great food ideas for all those special events, not to mention some ideas to keep from dying from every day monotony - make sure to login here –  

You know the old saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!”

That’s how you can get through your spring cleaning.

For example, tonight I cleaned this silk peonie thing I have in my great room. I ran some soapy water in the bathtub, held the flowers by the stems, swished them in the water, shook them off, put them back in the pot. Total time – about 5 minutes.

Now imagine if you did just one 5 minute task every day. That would be 365 little tasks.

Do you think that would add up?

Instead of complaining that you have to wipe out your cabinets, and never doing it because its such an overwhelming job – how about wiping down just 1 shelf? You can manage that, can’t you?

Isn’t it a relief to know that you can have a really clean house without killing yourself?

Now, how can you apply this strategy to other areas of your life?

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I’ve refined my secret window washing technique a little bit. If you’re like me and don’t have the time right now to ‘properly’ wash the windows – I mean, all that hanging out the window, or dragging the big ladder out, and up and down the ladder – it’s a whole day project!

I have devised a sneaky little system that will allow you to get the windows pretty clean. It won’t be as good as if you actually washed and shined them up, but it will take the majority of the grime off quickly.

If you have someone who can be inside the house and flip the windows up and down for you, this will go even faster!

You want to make a mixture of 1 cup of white vinegar and one gallon of warm water. Add a few drops of dish-washing liquid. Just a few drops!

I have a spray bottle that sprays pretty far. Or use your kids Super Soaker. Or you can use on of those bottles that attaches right to the hose. You would have to decrease the water because the hose will automatically add water to the mix as it sprays.

Start on one side of the house. From the inside, you’ll want to move all of the storm windows and screens down so that the outside of the interior window is exposed. Do the windows in the same order through every step so the first window has time to dry while you move to the others. Spray the window with the cleaning solution. Let it sit for about a minute. Rinse off with the hose.

Now, put the storms in the closed position. Spray and rinse, again in the same order as before.

Now, move the lower storm and screen up so the outside of the interior window is exposed. Spray with cleaning solution and rinse.

Ta-Da! One side is done.

Vacuum off the screens and wipe them down if needed.

Do a quick clean on the inside.

Like I said, its not going to be perfect, but the windows will look a whole lot better and you can go do something else. Sometimes good enough is good enough, don’t ya think? And honestly, you are the only person that will notice that they’re not perfect.

Here’s the fastest way to Put an End to Grime – Even if you have No Time If you Love a really clean home, but Hate cleaning it, you’ll want these time saving secrets. Learn how to Clean Your House Fast- and Keep it That Way! http://HowtoCleanHouseFast.com

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Woo-Ya! Finally a beautiful weekend.

I’m so excited, aren’t you?

What will you do?

Throw open the windows, throw on some good music and finish your spring cleaning?

Do some yard work?

Work in your gardens?

It’s been so cold I didn’t even think aobut ordering my tomato plants. It’s the perfect timing in my area. I’ll be able to get thiem in the ground around Mother’s Day if I make sure to get htem ordered this weekend.

I’ll be heading over to Henry Fields and ordering Beef Steak tomatoes (67966), and Early Girls (14115), and some brocolli seeds (66170) - , and lettuce – the Simpson Elite (11980) because it holds up the best and tastes yummy. Then I’ll be able to head out the door and pick my salad fresh! So Good. I can’t wait!

 I might wash a couple windows, or clean up the beach – whatever hits me. What about you?

Make it a point to enjoy these first great days!

If you haven’t finished your spring cleaning – here are the articles to help you -

Spring Cleaning – Phase 1

Spring Cleaning – Phase 2

If you want to have some fun planning your gardens – here are links to popular garding/catalog sites – (if you order through these links, I make a few cents)

Gurney’s

Henry Field’s

Michigan Bulb

SpringHill

I’m so excited. Can’t wait to get outside!

Have a great weekend!